Boishaai eager to push forward after strong season
It’s fair to say that Paarl Boys’ High ended the 2025 season as one of the most improved teams in the Western Cape.
In previous seasons, Boishaai was there or thereabouts, but they rarely troubled the top sides.
They were viewed as also-rans by some, but that has quickly changed. The school’s programme has been strengthened, and the Boys’ High hockey teams have made significant strides.
The 1st team enjoyed an excellent campaign in 2025. “Last year was an extremely special year,” head coach Rowan McLachlan told SuperSport Schools Plus.
“I am really grateful to every player who bought into what we were trying to achieve. Going to the Coastal Cup set the tone for the season, and we returned home unbeaten in three matches.
“That gave the boys the belief they needed, especially since we were such a young side with five u16s in the team. And then winning inter-schools in the manner that we did was just the cherry on the cake.”
That dramatic inter-schools’ win over their arch-rivals, Paarl Gimnasium, was indeed the perfect way to cap off a rewarding season for Boishaai.
Before that clash, they had finished third at the Cape Town International Hockey Tournament, and they showed promising signs against Western Cape heavyweights SACS and Bishops.
Continuing the upward trajectory will be the goal for 2026.
“We will most definitely be looking to build on what we achieved last season, not only from a programme perspective but also from a culture perspective,” McLachlan explained.
“The boys really set high standards for themselves in training, and that shows in how they carry themselves on the field.
“From a coaching perspective, we will continue to push innovative ideas, so that the boys can always try and better themselves.”
Coach McLachlan takes charge of an exciting team. “We, once again, have a good balance between senior players and newcomers,” he said.
“The newcomers know what is expected of them and have risen to the challenge thus far, creating a very dynamic and competitive training environment.”
Boishaai will open their 2026 campaign at the Parel Vallei Festival, which takes place on 13 and 14 March.
Coach McLachlan says they’re aiming to play entertaining hockey. “This year, we’re still in the process of solidifying our identity on the pitch. What I can say is that the direction we are moving in should provide a very exciting brand of hockey.
“I think spectators can expect to see a very well put-together side that plays with tactical clarity and players that just enjoy each other and the game.”
